SNN108095 - An archaeological desk-based assessment on land off Niort Way, Wellingborough July 2008

Northamptonshire Archaeology conducted a desk-based assessment on land off Niort Way, Wellingborough in advance of proposed development. Sitting within the larger master plan for the development of 3,000 dwelling houses by Northants LLP, this scheme is to develop 230 houses. Searches were undertaken of the relevant local depositories including Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record and Northamptonshire Record office to gain information about the known or potential archaeological resource within the site. The site has not been classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, nor is it included on the register of Parks and Gardens or battlefields and it therefore has no statutory protection. Previous geophysical survey on the site has revealed scattered undated pits and ditches, while subsequent fieldwalking recovered large quantities of post-medieval and later building material, pottery and glass. A number of archaeological sites have been recorded in the vicinity of the site that may have some relevance regarding any potential archaeology on site. These primarily relate to a large Iron Age settlement situated to the south-west of the site. Remnant medieval ridge and furrows apparent in the geophysical survey indicate that the site was part of the open field system in the later medieval and post-medieval periods. It has subsequently remained undeveloped.